Who We Are

The Massachusetts Council for the Social Studies (MCSS) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit educational organization. It is a network of social studies educators who work at every level of schooling. They communicate with each other through publications and meetings. They broaden their communication by working with related professional associations, government, and private agencies.

MCSS is affiliated with the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and participates fully in that organization’s efforts to advance the profession. NCSS encourages the highest standards of teaching, teacher preparation, and curriculum development. NCSS has developed and published both a code of ethics and academic freedom standards. It has established a defense fund to provide first-line legal assistance to teachers threatened with actions that violate this freedom. Social Education, the official journal of NCSS since 1937, is an outstanding organ of information and commentary. The Social Studies Professional is a newsletter of resources and opportunities. Social Studies and the Young Learner is a quarterly journal devoted exclusively to elementary social studies education. In addition, the NCSS publications program features a wide variety of bulletins, special publications, and standards. The program of the NCSS annual meeting provides major speakers, clinics, sessions, tours, a major exhibit of instructional materials, and several awards honoring those who have contributed to the advancement of social studies education.